A construction project at the historic Douglas County Courthouse in downtown Lawrence is scheduled to begin Tuesday, Sept. 19. The project will waterproof the existing foundation of the building located at 1100 Massachusetts Street.

When the building was constructed in 1904, the waterproofing of stone foundations was not common practice; therefore, the building has endured significant water infiltration through the exterior foundation walls. The project will correct the wall permeability issues and prevent further stone foundation deterioration while improving conditions inside the basement level of the courthouse.

The foundation work will occur in three phases. Tentative dates and the main areas where work will be taking place:

• Phase 1 – One-hour parking lot just south of the Courthouse, Sept. 19 through mid-October. The parking lot will be closed during this time.
• Phase 2 – West side of the building with some construction on the south and north ends of the building, mid-October through the end of December.
• Phase 3 – East side of the building with some construction on the south and north ends of the building, January 2024 through March 2024.

Sidewalks and entrances to the building will be open and available throughout the project. The following departments and services are housed in the building: Administration, Appraiser’s Office, Clerk’s Office, Register of Deeds Office and Treasurer’s Office. All services will be available throughout the project.

“It is anticipated that there will be noise during all phases of this project, especially during Phases 2 and 3,” Buildings and Grounds Director Jimmy Wilkins said. “We apologize for the inconvenience this will cause for the public and our employees and ask for their patience as we make these much-needed repairs to the Courthouse.”

Douglas County has a contract with Lawrence-based B.A. Green Construction Co., Inc. for $1.1 million for the construction work. The total project is estimated to cost $1.5 million.